In an era where customer interactions are evolving beyond traditional channels, UK-based startup Plain is stepping up to simplify B2B customer service. Recently securing $15 million in Series A funding, Plain aims to revolutionize how businesses manage customer communications by integrating platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Discord into a single, efficient interface. As organizations navigate the complexities of multi-channel support, Plain’s innovative API-first solution promises to enhance collaboration between teams, ultimately transforming the customer support landscape. With a roster of notable clients and a strong leadership team, Plain is poised to make a significant impact in this rapidly changing industry.
| Key Information | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name | Plain | |
| Funding Amount | $15 million | |
| Funding Round | Series A | |
| Lead Investor | Battery Ventures | |
| Other Investors | Index Ventures, Connect Ventures | |
| Co-founders | Simon Rohrbach, Matt Vagni | |
| Key Features | API-first platform, integrates multiple channels (Slack, Microsoft Teams, Discord) | |
| Clientele | Sanity, Laravel, Stytch, Raycast | |
| Competitors | Thena, Pylon | |
| Pylon Funding | $17 million from Andreessen Horowitz | |
| Thena Funding | $7 million from Lightspeed, First Round Capital | |
The Rise of Customer Support Platforms
In today’s fast-paced business world, customer support is more important than ever. Companies are moving away from old methods like email ticketing and switching to modern platforms such as Slack and Microsoft Teams. These newer channels allow for faster communication but can also get complicated. With many teams using different channels, it can be hard for businesses to manage all those conversations effectively.
This shift is pushing companies to find better ways to handle customer inquiries. The emergence of platforms that aggregate these communications helps businesses keep everything organized. By using a single tool, teams can talk to customers wherever they are, making the support process smoother and more efficient. This change is significant, as it helps businesses not only respond quickly but also work together better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plain and what does it do?
Plain is a UK-based startup that raises $15 million to create a platform that consolidates B2B customer service chats from various tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams into one easy-to-use interface.
How does Plain improve customer support?
Plain enhances customer support by integrating multiple communication channels, allowing businesses to manage chats and emails collaboratively, making responses faster and more efficient for customers.
Who are the founders of Plain?
Plain was co-founded by Simon Rohrbach and Matt Vagni, both former employees of Deliveroo, where they focused on content, design, and internal tools.
What funding has Plain received?
Plain has secured $15 million in Series A funding led by Battery Ventures, with participation from Index Ventures and Connect Ventures, aimed at expanding its operations.
What companies use Plain’s services?
Plain’s clients include notable names like Sanity, Laravel, Stytch, and Raycast, showcasing its broad appeal in the B2B customer service market.
How does Plain compare to other customer support platforms?
Unlike traditional platforms like Zendesk, Plain integrates modern chat tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, promoting a collaborative approach in customer support.
What future plans does Plain have?
Plain plans to open its first U.S. office in San Francisco as part of its growth strategy following the recent funding.
Summary
Plain, a UK-based startup, has raised $15 million to create a platform that simplifies B2B customer service by combining various communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Discord into one easy-to-use interface. This innovative solution allows businesses to manage customer interactions more efficiently, improving collaboration among support, engineering, and customer success teams. CEO Simon Rohrbach emphasizes the platform’s speed and traditional support features, helping companies stay connected with customers across channels. With the new funding, Plain plans to open its first U.S. office in San Francisco and compete with other players in the customer support market.
